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LCN Member of the Month: The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Lemur Conservation Network member of the month showcases our members’ work, and shares how we can help them in their battle for lemur conservation. The month of August is dedicated to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. In this blog post, we interviewed zoo representatives who tell us all about their important work and how we can support them.

Tell us a little bit about the history of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Blue-eyed Black lemurs. Credits: Lynde Nunn

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (JZG) was founded in 1914 as a small municipal zoo located in the Springfield area of Jacksonville, Florida. In 1925, it moved to the current 117-acre location along the Trout River in north Jacksonville. JZG has been an American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA)/ Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo since 1987. As of July 1, 2017, the animal population includes 3,024 animals of 273 different species.

Which lemur species do you work with?

Lemurs have been in the JZG animal population since at least 1976 and have included five different species:

Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta),

Black lemurs (Eulemur macaco macaco),

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia vagiegata),

Red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra), and

Blue-eyed black lemurs (Eulemur flaviforns).

Black and White Ruffed Lemur. Credits: Lynde Nunn

JZG lemur care staff have significant experience in managing diabetic and geriatric individuals, as well as mixed-species groups. Currently housed species include a bachelor group of Ring-tailed lemurs and a breeding group of Black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Red ruffed lemurs were phased out in 2008 to make space for breeding Black-and-white ruffed lemurs. A pair of Blue-eyed black lemurs was in residence from late 2014 to early 2017, to assist population management and provide JZG staff experience with the species.

The opening of a new lemur facility in 2018 will allow for expansion of the JZG lemur population, including the return of Blue-eyed black lemurs and the first acquisition of a Coquerel’s sifaka.

Supporting the AZA Species Survival Plan for Lemurs

As a participant in AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for all species in residence, JZG supports scientifically managed assurance populations that help safeguard the survival of endangered lemur species. JZG Supervisor of Mammals Tracy Fenn serves on the steering committee of the Prosimian Taxon Advisory Group (PTAG) and chairs the PTAG’s Pet Trade Committee, which works to address the issue of prosimians in personal possession.

JZG has special interest in raising awareness about the animal welfare, public health and safety, and conservation risks associated with prosimians in the international pet trade.

What are some of your recent achievements?

Baby black and white ruffed lemurs! Credits: Lynde Nunn

We are very proud of our recent accomplishments that support lemur conservation.

June 16, 2017 – Birth of the second litter of MEF-owned Black-and-white ruffed lemurs at JZG. MEF is Ministère de l’Environnement et des Forêts (Madagascar government agency).

2017 – JZG provided funding to the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG) to aid the post-fire recovery of the village of Sahambala, Madagascar.

2016 – JZG provided funding to the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG) for the in-country transfer of two Blue-eyed black lemurs to Parc Ivoloina in Toamasina, Madagascar to establish new breeding pairs at this park.

What are some goals and expectations you have for the future?

Baby black and white ruffed lemur! Credits: John Reed

With the opening of the African Forest exhibit in 2018, JZG’s lemurs will enjoy a brand new, expanded facility, designed specifically with animal wellness in mind.

Lemurs will enjoy 24/7 outdoor access and make use of significant vertical and horizontal spaces. The new African Forest facility increases JZG’s lemur holding capacity, making additional contributions to ex-situ conservation programs possible.

New initiatives in guest interaction and education will focus on lemur conservation, with a special emphasis on the impact of the pet trade on species survival and animal welfare.

Do you have volunteer opportunities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?

Baby and parent black and white ruffed lemurs! Credits: John Reed

JZG volunteer opportunities are numerous and diverse. The following volunteer positions can be structured for those interested in being involved with lemurs specifically:

Keeper Assistants help with daily husbandry tasks.

Behavior Observation Team members help observe animals to inform husbandry decisions.

Exhibit Guides help inform and inspire JZG guests.

What do you need donations for right now?

We are currently seeking donations to help with our educational campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of the lemur pet trade, which will include exhibit graphics, videos, and more. Additionally, donations would help with our in-situ lemur conservation.

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Blog posts are the opinions of each author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lemur Conservation Network. Photos are credited to the photographer listed and cannot be used elsewhere without permission. All organizations listed on the Lemur Conservation Network have agreed to be included on this website. Each organization retains its own liability for the accuracy of their statements on the Lemur Conservation Network.